California State University-Chico
Chico, California · Public · 92.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 82/100 · Strong Value
California State University-Chico
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,472/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $21,072/yr |
| Average net price | $14,480/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $57,920 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,172 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $16,552 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $175 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 62.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,631 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,902 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,099 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,961 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,506 |
| $110,001+ | $23,566 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at California State University-Chico with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $72,651 | B |
| Psychology | $52,621 | C+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $55,008 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $52,978 | D |
| Sociology | $52,323 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,464 | C+ |
| Public Health | $45,339 | C+ |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | $88,648 | A |
| Registered Nursing | $117,543 | A |
| Animal Sciences | $48,474 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at California State University-Chico is $8,472/year ($21,072/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $14,480/year, or roughly $57,920 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,902/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,566/year.
The median graduate leaves with $16,552 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $175 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $64,172 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.39 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 72.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 78.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 72.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 75.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 92.7% |
| Enrollment | 13,631 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 42.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,664 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Chico (this school) | 82 | $14,480 | $64,172 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | 80 | $15,543 | $62,203 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| Western Washington University | 72 | $21,193 | $62,569 |
| Portland State University | 69 | $9,552 | $57,906 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
California State University-Chico delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $14,480 per year ($57,920 over four years), graduates earn a median of $64,172 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.8 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $16,552 is very manageable against $64,172 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.